Loud thunk when turning

[Arnie897]

I have a very loud, vehicle shaking thunk when I turn into and out of most parking spots. It seems to happen when I have the wheels turned one direction and then need to go the other way.

I have searched...

Things recently replaced:
Both front hubs
Upper passenger side ball joint.
Torsion bar adjusters.

There is no movement in the wheel when pushed or pulled on...so I don't think it's any of my joints.

How do you test a Tie Rod End? What else could the problem be?

 

[tsak01a]

See if you have any play in the tie rod ends and drag link. If it's that big of a bang when you grab and try to shake them you will feel the slack in the tie rods or drag link and see where the issue is. Also if you are running big tires check the steering box on the frame. The box may be loose, frame cracked or the box may be bad.

S c c o t t

 

[Arnie897]

I can't move either tie rods. They seem quite solid. It feels like it's thunking right when the weight shifts from one direction to the other....not right when I turn the wheel.

 

[dman726749]

how bout your shocks?

 

[explrths]

Check your half shafts, I had the same problem. Changed out a shaft, smooth as silk now.

 

[Arnie897]

Shocks are Bilsteins and they are about 1.5 years old....think they are worn out yet? Haven't checked the axle shafts yet though...I'll look into that.

 

[Explorer#2]

when i bought my new X the dealership had to replace the whole steering rack and the problem it was having sounds a lot like yours, i dont know what was wrong with it, as i didnt get to see the old one, i had it for about a week before they got the parts in, they did if for free so it was fine with me. and i dont think your shocks would wear out that fast, i know of bilsteins lasting on a race car for like five years

 

[explrths]

Yea, the hlaf shaft has both ujoints and a cv joint, mine was shot. When I got it out, It felt like crap trying to articulate the cv